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Raphael

Raphael

Taschen

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In the realm of art history, we often reserve familiar first names for the most esteemed masters. Raphael Santi (1483-1520), the Renaissance painter and architect, is undoubtedly one such luminary. Known simply as Raphael, he has been revered for centuries as a supreme artist of the Renaissance, surpassing even his equally renowned counterparts, Leonardo and Michelangelo.

Between 1500 and 1508, Raphael honed his craft in various cities of central Italy, notably Florence, where he established his reputation as a skilled portraitist and creator of exquisitely rendered Madonnas—archetypal icons in the Catholic faith. In 1508, Pope Julius II summoned him to Rome, where he embarked on an ambitious project to decorate the Stanza della Segnatura in the Vatican. The pinnacle of this endeavor is Raphael's masterpiece, "The School of Athens," an epitome of the High Renaissance that harmoniously merges Classical philosophy, meticulous perspective, animated figures, and a composition of majestic equilibrium.

This essential introduction delves into the extraordinary trajectory of Raphael's career, illustrating how, in just two decades, he ascended to legendary greatness. Showcasing the highlights of his prolific body of work, the book unveils his mastery of figures and forms, securing his place not only among the trinity of Renaissance luminaries but also among the most revered artists in history.

    Explore related artwork by Raphael at the Chrysler Museum

    Product Details

    • English edition
    • Product Type: Monograph, Hardcover
    • 96 pages, with 100 illustrations
    • Publication Date:
    • Shipping Dimensions: 10.23 × 8.26 × 0.5 inches
      (26.0 × 21.0 × 1.3 cm)
    • Shipping Weight: 1.24 lb (19.8 oz; 562 g)
    • SKU010003169 | ISBN: 9783836532426

    About Christof Thoenes

    Christof Thoenes (1928–2018) studied art history in Berlin and Pavia, before completing his doctorate in Berlin. Thoenes was Honorary Professor in Hamburg and worked many years for the Bibliotheca Hertziana (Max-Planck-Institute) in Rome. He contributed to numerous publications on Italian art, particularly on architecture and architectural theory of the 15th to 18th centuries.

    About the Artist, Raphael

    Raphael Sanzio (1483-1520), commonly known as Raphael, was an Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance period. Born on April 6, 1483, in Urbino, Italy, Raphael displayed exceptional artistic talent from an early age. He received early training in his father's workshop, and his skills quickly flourished, leading him to become one of the most revered artists of his time.

    Raphael's works are characterized by their harmonious compositions, graceful figures, and meticulous attention to detail. He was highly influenced by the works of his contemporaries, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, and he managed to carve out his unique style that combined classical elements with a sense of serenity and idealized beauty.

    Throughout his career, Raphael produced an impressive body of work, including his famous Madonnas, frescoes in the Vatican's Stanze di Raffaello (Raphael Rooms), and portraits of prominent individuals. His paintings are celebrated for their balance, elegance, and profound emotional depth. Raphael's artistic legacy continues to inspire artists and captivate art enthusiasts, solidifying his position as one of the most accomplished artists of the Renaissance period. Despite his untimely death at the age of 37, Raphael's contributions to the art world remain an enduring testament to his exceptional talent and artistic vision.

    About Taschen

    Since its inception in 1985, the Taschen's Basic Art Series has evolved into the most successful collection of art books ever published. Each book in TASCHEN's Basic Art History series boasts around 100 color illustrations accompanied by explanatory captions, a detailed and illustrated introduction, and a carefully curated selection of the epoch's most significant works. These works are presented on a two-page spread, featuring a full-page image alongside an interpretation, as well as a portrait and a concise biography of the artist.

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